Why Does Elizabeth Turn Down Darcy’s Proposal?
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Answer
Why does Elizabeth turn down Darcy’s proposal?
Jane Austen’s (1775-1817) famous novel “Pride and Prejudice” (1813) tells the love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. In the novel, both the characters must learn to overcome their initial pride and prejudice so that they can come closer to loving each other.
In the story, Elizabeth turns down Mr. Darcy’s first proposal because of his pride. Moreover, Elizabeth believes Darcy has a role in separating her sister Jane and Mr. Bingley. She also believes Darcy has mistreated Mr. Wickham.
Darcy’s Flawed Proposal: Mr. Darcy surprises Elizabeth with a sudden and intense proposal. However, his proposal is flawed because of his sense of social class. Darcy reveals that he loves Elizabeth deeply despite her lower social standing and her family’s behavior. He sees her as socially inferior. He lists all the reasons why he should not love her but then confesses that he can no longer fight his feelings of love. He says,
In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.
Earlier in the story at Meryton’s ball, a prideful Darcy refused to dance with Elizabeth. He commented about Elizabeth:
She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me;
Elizabeth’s Shock and Rejection: Elizabeth is shocked and angry with this proposal. She tells Darcy that his manner of proposing shows his arrogance and his lack of regard for her feelings. She is particularly upset by his role in discouraging Mr. Bingley from pursuing her sister Jane. She says,
Do you think that any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister?
Furthermore, Elizabeth has a negative opinion of Darcy because of his alleged mistreatment of Mr. Wickham. Wickham, who is in fact a deceiver, claims Darcy denied him a promised money. So, Elizabeth turns down Darcy’s prideful proposal.
In short, Elizabeth’s rejection is rooted in her perception of Darcy’s pride, his actions against her family, and his unfair treatment of others.